The time has come! The weather has stabilized (no more hail, please), so we're moving our workouts and our chill time outside. Here are all our healthy picks for the month of June, from leggings to water bottles to the protein bars powering our hikes. Bring on Summer!
New Balance 890v7 Running Shoe
"I'm a creature of habit, but I'm also down to try everything at least once. When it comes to running shoes, I'm very loyal and was hesitant to test out the New Balance 890v7 shoe [1] ($120). I'm so glad I did! They're arguably one of the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn — running or just walking around the city. I get so many compliments wearing these sneakers, and I even convinced one of my friends, also loyal to his favourite brand of running shoes, to get them!" — Tamara Pridgett, assistant editor, Fitness
OHi Superfood Bars
"I'm on a quest to find the healthiest bar out there and this organic OHi Superfood Bar [2] ($25 for an eight-pack) just landed at the top of my list. It's chock-full of deliciously filling nuts and seeds, making it a great source of protein and healthy fat. My favourite flavour is the coconut macadamia nut, but peanut butter comes in a close second. Both are the perfect sweet pick-me-ups to lift you out of your mid-afternoon funk. Tip: store them in the fridge; the ingredients are fresh and the bars get a little soft at room temperature." — Maggie Ryan, Assistant Fitness Editor
FitBit Versa Lite
"I've had a desk job for over 10 years, so recently I made the goal to get 15,000 steps a day (I switched to a treadmill desk). In order to track my efforts, and I'm rocking the FitBit Versa Lite [3] ($160), which I love. It's $40 less than the Versa and has all the features I want [4], including tracking my workouts, the miles I've walked or run, and text notifications. It's lightweight, comfortable, swimproof (hello Summer!), and the battery lasts over four days!" — Jenny Sugar, staff writer, Fitness
Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle
"Schlepping around a reusable water bottle just got a whole lot easier with Hydaway with sport lid [5] ($25). The dishwasher-safe bottle collapses to a small disc that's an inch and half in diameter, which saves space in my often stuffed gym bag, backpack, or travel carry-on. Made of food-grade silicone and BPA-free plastic, it's oddly squishy but the sport lid makes it easy to sip from during workouts and while on the go. It fits easily into the cup holder of my car, too." — Susi May, senior content director, Fitness
BTX15 Hip Trainer Bands
"I'm a sucker for a good booty band. The ones I had up until recently lost their durability after a year or two (I probably should have invested in new bands sooner). Enter BTX15 Hip Trainers [6] ($25). This set of three bands are nothing like the rubber ones I had before. They come in Spring colours with sizes small, medium, and large (large being the easiest resistance) and are made from a tougher material that doesn't roll up: an elastic and cotton blend. Basically, whatever exercise I do with them — glute kickbacks [7], seated abductions [8], etc. — brings the burn." — Sam Brodsky, assistant editor, Fitness
Girlfriend Collective Paloma Sports Bra
"I have tons of athletic gear, and the Girlfriend Collective Paloma Sports Bra [9] ($38) has become one of my favourite pieces. The fabric is insanely soft and it feels what I imagine imported fabrics from Italy to feel like. I also like that it's longer than most sports bra and can double as a crop top!" — TP
Ripple Vanilla Protein Powder
"When I turned the container of Ripple Vanilla Protein Powder [10] ($20) for 15 servings, originally $25 $20 [11]) over to see the nutritional info, I was delighted. It has only 100 calories per serving, but offers 20 grams of protein, with one gram of carbs, and zero grams of sugar! It's made with pea protein, so it's vegan and gluten-free, and it's sweetened with monk fruit extract, so it tastes sweet without adding any sugar. It's perfect for enjoying Summer smoothies [12], protein popsicles [13], and no-bake protein balls [14]." — JS
Varley Hutton Sweatshirt
"I've been on the hunt for a sweatshirt that is perfect to wear to a workout class but also stylish enough to wear to the office. The Hutton Sweatshirt [15] ($110) has become my go-to. From Varley, which is known for blending London's cosmopolitan elegance with L.A.'s active lifestyle, I feel comfortable and chic whenever I wear it. The colour is the perfect shade of dusty rose and it has a hoodie for extra coziness. It's going to be wearing it all June in these warmer but not yet hot temperatures. " — Genevieve Farrell Roston, Senior Producer, Fitness
Banza Mac & Cheese
"Mac and cheese is one of my all-time favourite foods and I'm no snob about it; give me the boxed stuff any day. Now with Banza's Mac & Cheese [16] ($22 for six boxes), I can feel a little better about my cheesy pasta habit. Banza is made with chickpeas so it's higher in protein than traditional pasta (18 grams per serving), and a little lower in carbs (35 grams per serving). And it's a little less than 300 calories per serving when prepared. Considering a serving is half the box, that's a lot of bang for your buck. I have tried all three flavours: elbows and classic cheddar, shells and classic cheddar, and elbows and white cheddar, each equally delicious. Pick up this variety pack from Amazon to experience each tasty flavour!" — CS
Reebok Classics Vector Tank Top
"I love a good workout tank but I don't love giving everyone a show when leaning forward to do bent-over rows [17] or kettlebell deadlifts [18]. This Reebok Classics Vector Tank Top [19] ($30, previously $35) has a high neck so it keeps me covered. It's also a little longer, so I love that I feel covered up enough when I wear leggings. Plus, it's cute! I can wear it walking around town and still feel comfortably casual." — CS
Aloha Protein Drink
"I'm lazy about my protein intake, which means my sources need to be as convenient as possible — which means they're often packaged and aren't the most healthy. Aloha Protein Drinks [20] ($15 for a four-pack), on the other hand . . . Each grabbable, on-the-go drink comes with 18 grams of protein and just five grams of sugar, plus zero artificial ingredients — not common for a protein product. The vanilla flavour is sweet, creamy, and extremely satisfying." — MR
York Athletics Henry Mid Canvas Sneakers
"Outside of the gym, I've never really considered myself a sneaker person, but these Henry Mid Canvas Sneakers [21] ($125) from York Athletics, which debuted in the unisex brand's Worth the Fight campaign [22] featuring Aly Raisman last month, converted me into someone who wears them way more frequently. I'll even pair Summer dresses with them (something I never would have done before)! These cross trainer shoes are comfortable and functional. They're subtle in colour, yet bold in message: they represent your blank slate to fight for whatever you wish to fight for. Plus, they can go with pretty much any outfit both in and out of the gym." — SB
Wildfriends Almond Cashew Super Butter
"While I think nut butters make just about any dish better, they definitely improve my breakfast toaster waffle. My new favourite waffle topping? This Almond Cashew Super Butter [23] ($13). Beyond the roasted nuts that make the base of this delightful spread, the ingredients include flax and chia seeds to up the nutritional value of each tablespoon, plus a little honey for sweetness, and sea salt to highlight all the flavours. I skip the jam and sprinkle fresh fruit on top of this super butter. It's great with apples, berries, and apricots." — SM
Lululemon Long Line Energy Bra
"Is there anything better than going to a workout in buttery-soft lululemon workout gear? I'm currently loving their Energy Bra in Long Line [24] ($58) in this polar ice shade. This bra checks all of the boxes I look for in a bra: sweat wicking, removable cups, and beautiful colour." — GFR